I Heart Faces Photo Walk: Results

It took literally weeks of planning, an act of God in the weather department, but the Photowalk Across America:Seattle, was a total success! Our three models were terrific. It was great to meet all of the photographers that attended and see the way others shoot.  Here’s how the day began

5:30am: I hauled my sorry butt out of bed and into the shower.

6:30am: Our models and myself arrived at Salon Dolche‘ in Everett, WA for hair and make up. The staff did a wonderful job and by 8pm everyone was dressed and we were packed into my van and carpooling to the Emerald City.

8:30am: Picked up Lara Reau of Blue Ivy Photography who’s car was parked by the Spaghetti Factory and headed to our starting point at Pike St and Boren Ave.

9:00am: We found a parking spot right on Pike St. We then passed out name tags, maps, and information, then split into shooting groups. Heidi Lawson of Wishful Thinking Photography also helped Lara and I guide each group down our Pike St path.

Now in the last ten years I’ve shot A LOT in downtown. High school seniors especially love the urban look and without fail at least one of my brides wants to photograph at Pike Place Market with the entire wedding party. So I’ve learned where the great spots are. Our starting point was no exception. Here’s a photo of Simone, one of the models, using one of the columns that line the less then great view of I-5 from this spot.

Image by Cara Miller

The leading lines coming from the top of the frame and the intersection of her body and lines from the bench are really powerful. Plus her eyes look so great in the shallow depth of field. This is totally one for Simone’s book and Cara’s portfolio!

My group and the others began moving down Pike St about 9:15am, after we applied name tags and discussed ground rules. (BTW-took me all day to print those things on friday! I don’t think anyone knows- besides my assistant Terice – how much work went into making this event happen.)

Since the moment I first agreed to lead the Photowalk I had been imagining a shot of a tall leggy girl hailing a cab in front of the convention center. For those not from Seattle, the main area in the Convention Center is directly above street level and can be seen in the photo I took below. Katie was my model and I love the low wide angle perspective (my trademark of sorts) that really give movement and accentuate her long thin frame. The black and white reminded me of something out of Hollywood’s golden years but with a person touch.

Katie Heart Hailing a Cab By Irene Jones Photography

Along the way to Pike Place Market a number of nice shots were created, here’s one from Photos by Trina Gueck. The perspective is classic. The market sign gives a great sense of place, and I feel like singing in the rain just from looking at it.

Photos by Trina Gueck: Li Leung Model

10:00am (Give or take 15 minutes): The groups met up and we switched models, the models switched clothes and we started exploring the Market. First stop for many was the best brick wall in all of Seattle. Here’s a photo by Heidi Lawson that shows off the most beautiful/disgusting spot in our fair city.

Katie Heart by Wishful Thinking Photography

Yes, the gum wall. It has it’s own facebook page and the saliva of natives and tourists alike. Katie is so good, she can even make this hot.

On the other end of the market my group was working with Simone and loving it. There were a lot of great images of her posted to the I Heart Faces Group on Flikr. Most from a few key spots in Pike Place. Here’s one by Kara Rue.

Simone Grant by Kara Rue

So far, my favorite done by one of the attendees. The framing and out of focus plants are so nice. It looks quiet and intimate, which was exactly opposite of the actual situation! Great job Kara!

11:00am (So, we are a little behind at this point…) The groups all met at the Seattle Aquarium which is just west of the Pike Place Market and we began the long walk to the Olympic Sculpture Garden. I’m sure at this point I made everyone grumpy by demanding that no one stop with any of the models until we got there. It was a somber death march, but I think all was forgiven when we got there and some great images happened. My last shot was of Li and it’s my favorite from the whole day. I love her eyes, and freckles. Again I’m using a wide angle but this time it’s closer up and from above. I just can’t help myself, nothing I shoot is from eye level.

Li Lueng by Irene Jones Photography

I think Salon Dolche‘ will love this one too, her hair still looks just as good as it did at 7am!

I think the best part was being able to teach new things to some very hungry to learn pupils.  I don’t claim to be an expert in everything but after 10 years as a full time professional, I’m really enjoying the opportunity to give some of that knowledge to those that want to learn.

If you attended the photo walk or just live in the greater Seattle area and want to learn one-on-one how to use off camera flash, shoot great portrait indoors, or just use your camera to it’s full potential, please sign up for my Momtography Training Program going on this summer. Five classes designed to help photographers of varied skill levels create more professional looking images for clients or themselves. More information and registration can be found on this blog.  Space is limited so please don’t wait to sign up!

A special thanks to Salon Dolche‘ for providing amazing hair and make up! Please visit their website for more information about other quality products and services.

To see more visit IHeartFaces or the IHeartFaces Flikr group for more photos from the event by talented photogs!